On Oct. 31, the City of Houghton released a public advisory regarding the results of testing on its public water supply. This year some of those tests indicated slightly elevated levels of lead. Elevated levels of lead in Houghton’s water may also be of concern to those living in nearby Portage Township, which purchases water from the city of Houghton, according to the City of Houghton 2016 Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report.
The tests do not show dangerously high levels of lead, according to the advisory written by Houghton City Manager Eric Waara, though the city will be conducting further testing and carrying out educational outreach to customers. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality set an action level of 15 Parts per Billion lead, and the highest of the samples tested showed lead levels of 16 ppb.
The tests also check for other contaminants, including pesticides and other pollutants, as well as copper and arsenic, which naturally occur in the area.
In the most serious cases, high levels of lead can enter into the water through
the corrosion of lead pipes or solder. While the advisory claims that the city of Houghton does not use lead pipes or solder, it is possible that individual homes, especially older homes, may have lead components, leading to higher lead content. There are other possible sources of contamination, and further testing should help to determine the issue. In the advisory, the city of Houghton expressed confidence that further testing would show levels of lead below the action level.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that those worried about lead content in their water should run their tap water for at least thirty seconds
when using water to drink or cook.
Aditional information regarding the city of Houghton’s water quality standards
and testing can be found at cityofhoughton. com, or at www.michigan.gov/deqleadpublicadvisory. Questions and concerns can also be directed to the city of Houghton by calling (906)-482-1700. Full copies of the water tests can also be viewed at the City Center at 616 Sheldon Avenue.
